4.13 Canadian History Through Poetry and Lyrics - Part One

Close Reading

Instead of a close reading, you can do a close listening (watch a video) to understand the secret codes in this poem. Note: When the narrator says, "our country", she is refering to the United States.

Go To Your Learning Guide

While listening and watching, you can pause to answer the following in your learning guide:

  • Who is Peg Leg Joe?
  • What is another name for the constellation called, in this song, the drinking gourd?
  • What does the phrase, "Dead trees will show you the way", refer to?
  • Where did they need to arrive to be truly safe?